As it is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we want to make it very easy for you to know what to look out for with spots, moles and freckles and to recognise when something new or unusual takes place.
The ABCDE rule is a guideline for the early detection of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. It helps individuals identify potential signs of melanoma by examining moles or other pigmented areas on their skin. Here's what each letter signifies:
A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot does not match the other half.
B - Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C - Color variation: The mole has multiple colors or shades, or it has uneven distribution of color.
D - Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) in diameter, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
E - Evolution or change: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or it is exhibiting other changes such as itching, bleeding, or crusting.
Regularly checking your skin for any moles or spots that exhibit these characteristics can help in the early detection of melanoma. If in any doubt at all, please make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist.